Boy injured by stray bullet during NDLEA operation in Bakassi

By Ike Uchechukwu

During a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operation in Ikang, Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, two suspected drug dealers were arrested on Wednesday. However, a stray bullet from the ensuing confrontation injured an innocent boy.

The raid quickly became chaotic when gunfire erupted, prompting residents to flee the scene.

An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, told Vanguard that gunshots were suddenly heard amid the confrontation.

“Gunshots were suddenly heard during the confrontation, and people started running. After the situation calmed down, it was discovered that a young boy had been hit by a stray bullet and was lying on the ground before he was rushed to the hospital,” the witness said.

The incident has left the community uncertain about what triggered the clash.

NDLEA’s Cross River Public Relations Officer, Sebastian Lebo, confirmed the attack, stating that the officers were targeted by a mob during the raid.

“It is true that our officers were at Bakassi for an operation. The two dealers that were targets were arrested with good quality exhibits and are now in custody. Our officers came under mob attack and unfortunately there was an injury,” he said.

Lebo added that the boy is receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is responding positively. He also noted that the operatives recovered the seized items despite the assault.

The post Stray bullet hits boy during NDLEA operations in Bakassi appeared first on Vanguard News.